Roselle Man Charged With Making False Carjacking Report

NEWARK – A 51-year-old Roselle man has been charged with making a false report to law enforcement for allegedly faking a carjacking, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said.

On July 17, Melvin Powell reported that he was carjacked at the intersection of Chancellor and Aldine Street in Newark, according to the prosecutor’s office. He told authorities that two black males struck the rear light of his 1986 Bentley. When he stepped out of the vehicle to determine the damage to the vehicle, Powell alleged a black male brandishing a handgun took the car.

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An investigation was launched. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force determined Powell lied about the incident. He was brought in for questioning and indicated the damage done to the car was caused by a friend, authorities said.

Powell was released on his own recognizance after processing, pending a future court date.

“We are working overtime with scarce resources to keep the streets of Essex County safe. People who lodge false reports are taking away from those limited resources and will be prosecuted,’’ said Chief Anthony Ambrose of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.